Cardiovascular and neuroendocrine effects and pharmacokinetics of 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in humans.
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics July 1, 1999 M. Mas, M. Farré, R. de la Torre et al. 362 citations
In a double-blind, randomized, crossover trial, eight men with prior recreational MDMA use received single oral doses of 125 mg or 75 mg of MDMA, 40 mg of amphetamine, or placebo. Both MDMA doses significantly raised systolic blood pressure by 40 mm Hg and heart rate by 30 beats/min, and dilated pupils, compared with placebo. Oral temperature did not change significantly. Plasma cortisol increased after MDMA; prolactin only rose after the higher dose. MDMA elimination half-lives were 8.6 hours (high dose) and 7.7 hours (low dose). The cardiovascular effects at rest suggest potential toxicity in real-world settings with crowding or physical exertion.